Julia Sieling and Mitchell Peck, seniors at Jefferson High School (JHS) in Alexandria, were nominated to represent their school in the Academics, Arts and Athletics (AAA) program in Section 8AA competition.

AAA winners are students who participate in Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) athletic programs, fine arts activities and carry a 3.0 or higher grade point average.

“The Triple A Award is one of the most coveted awards presented to students in Minnesota,” said Jody Redman, associate director of the MSHSL.

Sieling is the daughter of Jay Sieling and Dr. Deb Sieling Dittberner. She is involved in cross country, Nordic ski and track and was named captain of the cross country and Nordic ski teams.

Sieling has received Central Lakes Conference All Conference honors four consecutive years in cross country and Nordic ski and three consecutive years in track. She has participated in state tournaments in all three sports.

Sieling’s fine arts involvement includes band and jazz band. She is an A honor roll student, a Spotlight on Scholarship Athlete and a Central Lakes Conference Scholar Athlete and has received two All-State Academic awards. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Peck is the son of Mike and Therese Peck. He is a member of the JHS student council, the 2120 National Honor Society and the Math League team. He is also involved in football and track and field and was selected captain of the football team this year.

Peck received Central Lakes Conference All-Conference honors in track and field in his sophomore and junior years and in football as a junior and senior.

Peck’s fine arts involvement includes band, pep band and marching band. He is an A honor roll member, a Spotlight on Scholarship athlete, and a Central Lakes Conference Scholar Athlete.

Sieling and Peck advance to the section competition and will be honored at the Section AAA Recognition Banquet at Cragun’s Resort on Sunday, March 2. Section winners will advance to the state competition.

State Triple A Award recipients are selected by a multi-level process involving the league’s member schools and administrative regions.

League officials will announce the four award recipients (a girl and a boy from both a Class A and Class AA school) at an on-court recognition ceremony held during the Boys Basketball State Tournament in March. Each award recipient will receive a four-year $1,000 scholarship.